The draft amendments to the WDCP were publicly exhibited from Wednesday 20 November to 18 December 2013. The amendments were available for viewing on Council’s website and in hard copy at the Council Administration Building.

Notification letters were sent to the local Progress Associations regarding the exhibition.One submission was received from the Chatswood West Ward Progress Association. The submission supported the amendments, stating:

“The proposed amendments seem comprehensive. It is obviously pertinent that the revised plan addresses additional subdivision such as Strata, Community Title and Stratum subdivisions as well as controls for Industrial and Commercial land.”

Willoughby’s annual Chinese New Year Festival, one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney, will be held from 10am to 4pm, Saturday 8 February in Chatswood Mall, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

Welcome the Year of the Horse watching spectacular Dragon and Lion dances as well as an array of entertainment and demonstrations from local community groups including Tai Chi, Cantonese Opera Singing, Qi Gong and folk dance performances.

Browse the market stalls selling variety of delicious Chinese foods, arts and craft and take in colourful New Year decorations.

SBS Pop Asia will host interactive games, djing and giveaways on The Concourse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Wrap up a great day of fun by watching Kung Fu Panda on the outdoor Urban Screen on The Concourse from 5.30pm.

For more information on Chinese New Year celebrations phone Willoughby City Council on 9777 1000 or visit www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday 28 January: More than 1,000 community members, residents and Willoughby Council staff packed Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood and spilled onto the streets to say goodbye to the late, great Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.

Guests included Mayor Reilly’s wife and daughter; former Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Bob Hawke AC GCL; Federal and State MPs, past and present Mayors and Councillors of northern Sydney councils and Willoughby City Council, as well as more than 1000 people from the Willoughby community and council staff.

In tribute to the Mayor’s vibrant personality, the church service was followed by the Pat Reilly Tribute at The Concourse Concert Hall.

Emceed by Nicholas Milton, the concert featured a range of entertainment and music from Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir, Willoughby Band, as well as special guest performers including David Campbell. There were also toasts from the Mayor’s oldest and best friends.

Guests, including Brian L. Davies Esq LVO on behalf of The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Marie Bashir AC CVO, were asked to wear their own ‘bling’ in honour of the Mayor, who was always seen wearing his mayoral chains.

The bling-themed concert was broadcast simultaneously to the outdoor Urban Screen on The Concourse.

“He was prepared to stand up and throw his hat in the ring. To participate. Pat Reilly didn’t hide in the grandstands – his place was down in the arena,” said Australian author, and Mayor Reilly’s nephew, Matthew Reilly in his Eulogy.

“The Concourse… will be Pat’s legacy. It’s the sparkling jewel in the crown that is Willoughby. There is nothing else like it in Greater Sydney. It took vision to start it and uncompromising vision to deliver it. Pat has left us but The Concourse remains and it will remain his gift to the people of Willoughby for a long, long time to come,” Matthew Reilly said.

The funeral’s principal celebrant was Father Paul Finucane from our Lady of Dolours, with co-celebrants Bishop David Walker and Father Rex Curry. The funeral included words of remembrance from Raymond Reilly, Louise Collins, John Maio, Nick Tobin and John Owen, and a Eulogy by Matthew Reilly.

A number of issues of concern are emerging with regard to the North West Rail link. The link is planned to terminate at Chatswood.

Of major concern is recent calculations that show that passengers who terminate at Chatswood 50% will not fit on the next train to city. In fact, it could take three trains to clear the backlog (not sure what happens if another North West Rail Link train arrives before the passengers are cleared). The worry concerns the safety of passengers on Chatswood Station due to overcrowding.

Another concern is that the tunnels being bored will only accommodate single deck trains. This means that ,in the future, double-deck carriages would not be able to use the tunnels.

For the greater part of his life he has worked in Willoughby, ultimately in the field of Marketing, however he spent many successful years prior as a muso as a drummer in a band

He was elected to Willoughby Council for Middle Harbour Ward in 1987, and re-elected in 1991 and 1995.

Elected Mayor of Willoughby City in September 1997, and in 1999 became the first popularly elected Mayor of Willoughby. He is one of the longest serving mayors in Australia, being the longest serving on the North Shore having served as mayor for 17 years, and on council for 27 years.

Pat Reilly will always be remembered as a man who would do anything for his community. Having lived in Willoughby his entire life he dedicated himself to the people of Willoughby. He was the people’s mayor and will be remembered for bringing major city issues to the attention of State and Federal governments, listening to and fighting for the community and attending every event requested of him – even dressed as Elvis Presley on more than one occasion.

He was the driving force behind The Concourse, leading the delivery of one of the largest public infrastructure projects undertaken by a local government. The Concourse realised his vision of bringing cultural activities to the people of Willoughby. He was so proud every time he saw local school children perform on the Concert Hall stage or when the community attended to see professional performers, performing in a world-class venue in their own backyard.

He kept a sense of history and individuality throughout the neighbourhoods of Willoughby while also accounting for as he would say “appropriate growth and development”.

Pat supported the City of Willoughby to become the City of Diversity, a city that is positively renowned for its diversity and that celebrates many cultural groups and activities.

He was an enormously generous and caring man who knew so many residents personally, having helped them in some way, attended their event, or presented them an award at school event.

Pat Reilly’s impact on the City of Willoughby, and entire North Shore will never be equalled or forgotten. His legacy will remain in the diversity of the city, the exceptional lifestyle offered and in the happiness of the community.

Yesterday Willoughby lost a great leader and my family lost a treasured friend. Pat you better be up there jamming with the king right now .

I could not add more to your very moving words, which I agree with 100%. Pat Reilly was a “man for all seasons”, with a wide vision which matched the need to propel Chatswood forwards into becoming a leading suburban city, in the real sense of the word. His talent for looking at issues and seeing the really important aspects made him the right man in the right place at the right time. In my few personal meetings I felt a warm rapport with him. Personally I am very sad.

Very sad news.

Sad to hear this.

I thought Pat was fantastic and knew him both in his professional capacity and via both school and sporting events. He will be sorely missed. A very sad day.

A sad loss: I had tears when I read your email, but he’ll be remembered.

I didn’t know the Mayor at all but he seemed a reasonable man who had a vision for our city and for its people. He seemed also to treat all citizens the equally no matter there cultural background or demographic group.

Thanks for letting everyone know. As Beck just said “he has had a date with destiny for a while now” At least he had a chance to enjoy his crowning achievement – The Concourse.

That is sad news. Let us know how we can pay our respects.

I was shocked to hear of his passing. So sudden and at his age.
May God bless and comfort his family,

I met him when I escorted some old folks from Elizabeth Lodge to a Senior’s luncheon and he had time for everyone, stopping at all the tables to talk to every single person.
How will he ever be replaced

We remember Pat fondly from our times with the Lane Cove Tunnel project and respect and recognise sincerely his involvement with and contribution to the community of the wider Willoughby area. Our thoughts are with you all.

He will be sorely missed by the Willoughby community and certainly has big shoes to fill for his successor!!

He was a great supporter of the Society and we will miss that as well.

Though he had his detractors he did a mighty job as Mayor of Willoughby. He will be sorely missed by many.

It is so sad to lose someone who is was still so young. He gave so much in the service of his community.

Very sad news of Pat’s passing. He was a champion of the cause without a doubt and a larger than life character.

Thanks for sharing these details. I have shared the information with Chatswood High School P & C who all express their sadness at Pat’s passing he was such a great supporter Of Chatswood and CHS .
Our current President will attend services on behalf of CHS P & C

Thank you too for your previous email and good words about Pat, a truly significant and dedicated person in and for our community.

We will all miss seeing him around Willoughby and his involvement in the community has been exceptional.